Kendrick Lamar Sparks Concert with Drake Diss & New Verse at “Pop Out” Opening in LA

Kendrick Lamar did not hold back during the opening of his “Pop Out” concert in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. He began his performance with the Drake diss track “Euphoria” and unveiled a new verse: “Give me Tupac’s ring back and I might give you a little respect.” This line refers to a ring formerly owned by the late Tupac Shakur, which was purchased at auction by an anonymous buyer later revealed to be Drake.

This new addition is just one element in the ongoing and heated rivalry between two of the top names in rap, a conflict largely dominated by Lamar. The feud, which seemed to quiet down after a series of break-in attempts at Drake's Toronto residence, may see a resurgence. The concert, titled “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends,” draws its name from another diss track by Lamar, “Not Like Us.” In the song, Lamar raps, “Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n—s / Certified boogeyman, I’m the one that up the score with ’em.” Released a month ago, “Not Like Us” has quickly climbed the charts, becoming a significant hit amidst the ongoing feud.

Throughout their rivalry, Lamar and Drake have exchanged barbs about each other's physical appearances, hurled accusations of pedophilia, and claimed each other had hidden children. The feud appeared to wind down with Drake's track “The Heart Part 6,” a nod to Lamar's acclaimed song series. This indicated Drake’s waning interest in continuing their public spat.

However, Drake recently reignited the feud with a verse on Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything,” where he raps over Metro Boomin’s diss beat “BBL Drizzy.” This collaboration follows Metro’s involvement in the initial spark of the beef, stemming from Lamar’s feature on his song “Like That” with Future, released in March.

Why This Matters: The ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake involves two of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop. Their rivalry not only reflects personal animosities but also impacts the broader music scene, drawing in other artists and producers while influencing the themes and directions of their respective works.

Key Takeaways

• Kendrick Lamar opened his Los Angeles concert with a Drake diss track and a new verse.
• The new verse references a ring formerly owned by Tupac Shakur, now in Drake's possession.
• The concert title, “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends,” comes from Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
• The feud has involved personal insults and serious accusations between the rappers.
• Drake recently hinted at the rivalry's continuation in a verse on Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything.”